Bosnian Serbs strengthen ties with Israel amid tensions

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that the Israeli Chamber of Commerce opened a representative office in Banja Luka, the administrative centre of Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina, last week, in a step officials said would deepen ties between the two sides. The opening took place against the backdrop of Israel’s war in Gaza and continuing political friction inside Bosnia, where Republika Srpska and the Sarajevo-based Federation often differ on foreign policy issues.

The ceremony brought together Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik, Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg and Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, according to the article. Dodik used the occasion to stress what he described as historical and political parallels between Serbs and Jews, while Peleg said the office was intended to connect businesses and support investment cooperation. Republika Srpska officials also said they expected the new office to help attract Israeli investment and promote technology cooperation, though no specific projects were announced.

The report says the move reflects Dodik’s long-standing pro-Israel stance since the Gaza war began in October 2023, including his opposition to recognising Palestine. It also places the development in the context of Bosnia’s internal tensions and Dodik’s diminished formal role after being barred from office last year. A regional analyst quoted by Al Jazeera said closer economic links with Israel could help Republika Srpska with its financial difficulties, but warned that any strengthening of Dodik’s position could add to strains within Bosnia and Herzegovina.